Pimentel seeks teaching of Sabah claim in schools

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III

CANDABA, Pampanga, Philippines—Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is proposing that the teaching of the country’s claim to Sabah be taught in schools as part of  Philippine history.

This way, Pimentel said, the heirs of the sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III, would be assured that their Sabah claim would not be forgotten.

“Let’s incorporate  in the teaching of Philippine history the teaching of that legal as well as historical basis of the Sabah claim,” he told reporters at the sidelight of Team PNoy rally here.

“Hindi naman kasi maso-solve iyan bukas. Hindi maso-solve iyan next year. Baka hindi pa iyan masolve in the next 10 years.”

“So let’s assure the heirs of the sultan of Sulu that this particular claim will not be forgotten by the Filipino people  by teaching the historical basis. That’s aside from the diplomatic work that is needed,” he said.

While he supports the country’s claim over Sabah, Pimentel said the followers of the Sultan should withdraw from Lahad Datu in Sabah, where they had been holed up since February 9.

“Yes, the right term is to de-escalate. Ano bang nag escalate ng tension? Iyong presence. So how do we de-escalate?  Tanggalin natin iyong  reason so dapat iyong absence. So kelangan mag withdraw po,” he said.

“Go back to the status quo ante. What was the status before the controversy,” he added.

At the same time, Pimentel said, the country should not drop its claim to Sabah.

Pimentel maintained his support for President Benigno Aquino III’s policy in the ongoing standoff between the followers in Sabah and the Malaysian government.

“The President has nothing to do with all of the sudden Filipinos being there in Sabah…We will support whatever is solution, whatever is his decision,” he said.

“Reality po iyon. Sometimes there are things beyond our control,” Pimentel added.